Sermon Theme
What is it that appears to be in short supply and is much needed today?
It is probably safe to say it is NOT knowledge, think ‘the information age’
- Governments in Australia often criticized for appointing yet another study committee
- The issue of Climate Change has huge amounts of peer reviewed studies – still controversial
- Church synods often load up the churches with study committees
There is an interesting truth we find in Scripture relating to all of this..
“Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12, NIV)
While knowledge is always handy, we can have more than enough and still make the wrong choices if we lack one essential ingredient in our lives.
It can be said that it is this essential item that we all need in great measure Without it we will make decisions that will harm ourselves and our churches and dishonour the Lord
That ingredient is WISDOM
Sermon outline
- THE NEED FOR WISDOM
- WISDOM’S FRUIT
- EARNESTLY SEEKING WISDOM FROM GOD
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Readings
Proverbs 2:1–11 (NIV84)
1My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
2turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
3and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
4and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
6For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
10For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
.
Text
James 3:13–18 (NIV84)
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.